The Netherlands journal of medicine
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Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality in noncardiac surgery. Preoperative optimisation of these patients is, thus, of utmost importance. Levosimendan seems promising for patients undergoing cardiac surgery; however, its safety and efficacy in HF patients undergoing noncardiac surgery have not been evaluated. ⋯ Prophylactic preoperative levosimendan treatment may be safe and efficient for perioperative optimisation of heart failure patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.